i was wondering these cars seem to have a ton of problems i just traded my 91 bmw 318is for a 02 mini and have had problems from day one airbag light stays on power steering whine now a pretty big oil leak all this with 48,000 miles every car i ever owned had at least 100,000 before major problems.i really love this car but i needed a dependable car that can be driven hard I'm thinking this is not it or i got a problem car.is everybody having transmission problems and power steering trouble.?

 

The 02s and 03s had their share of teething issues. I would hesitate to call either year dependable.....

The 02 minis (not the MCS) had issues with the midlands trannies. The power steering whine, coolant tank, harness issues, etc. are all well documented.

Do a search for year specific technical service bulletins for your car and see which issues you are most likely to be saddled with.

 

They're certainly not "trouble free" that's for sure. You really have to keep on top of them. You have the first year, so naturally they'll be more buggy.

 

yeah i wish i found this forum first before i got this car i haven't even made my first payment and i got a big puddle of oil in my garage. and maybe a power steering pump problem the dealer just gave a 30day 50/50 warranty on the engine and tranny but don't seem to want to fix anything.

 

Haven't made the first payment? Sounds as if they should have disclosed a couple of things to you prior to your purchase. Drop it and run. The cars from 2002-2003 aren't all lemons but it doesn't sound like yours is one of the reliable examples if it's showing you trouble already...

 

yeah no doubt i had it in today and was told it was a seal that was leaking minor problem power steering pump was fine. so for now it seems it's just an oil leak the cars runs great i have been happy with it so far just the 2 issues airbag light and the leak the need to scan it for the airbag but said it's usually a sensor 200 bucks or a reset